Hancock County Voters Weigh $19 Million School Bond and Tax Hike

The Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District is asking Hancock County voters to approve a 1.5 mill property tax increase. The measure would generate $19 million over the next 20 years to fund facility repairs and new academic programs. The proposal goes before the public on Tuesday, Nov. 3, during the general election.

District officials state that the funding is necessary because the main high school building is 61 years old. The structure sustained damage during Hurricane Katrina. Chief Financial Officer TJ Burleson explained that repairs after the storm only restored the building to its pre-Katrina condition. He noted that moisture intrusion has caused ongoing structural issues since that initial repair.

The district previously attempted to pass a similar bond in 2022. That effort failed. Chief Operations Officer Bradley Ladner said the district still faces urgent problems in two specific areas of the campus: the gymnasium and the testing hall. He argued that these defects will not resolve themselves and require a substantial financial commitment to fix.

Beyond physical repairs, the bond would expand the career and technical education curriculum. Zach Ferry, the athletic director and career and technical education director, identified welding as the top priority. He noted that wait lists for welding classes exist at both Hancock and Long Beach locations. The district also plans to introduce HVAC and IT cybersecurity programs. Ferry stated that these certifications could help students secure high-paying jobs immediately after graduation, with some companies potentially covering college tuition.

The district also intends to grow its sports medicine program to create pathways for students interested in nursing. Burleson addressed the financial impact on residents. He said property owners in Waveland will see a slight tax decrease because the city reduced its millage by 2.2 mills this year. For other property owners, the change represents a small increase in their annual tax bill.

Burleson described the cost as a major investment in the local student population. He encouraged voters to use the district's online tool to calculate their specific tax impact. The tool is available on the district's bond information page.

Voters will cast their ballots on the bond measure alongside other general election items. The outcome will determine whether the district proceeds with the planned construction and program expansions over the coming two decades.